christen

American  

[kris-uhn] / ˈkrɪs ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to receive into the Christian church by baptism; baptize.

2. to give a name to at baptism.

   They christened her Mary.

3. to name and dedicate.

   to christen a ship.

4. to make use of for the first time.

---

christen British  

/ ˈkrɪsən /

verb

1. to give a Christian name to in baptism as a sign of incorporation into a Christian Church

2. another word for baptize

3. to give a name to (anything), esp with some ceremony

4. informal to use for the first time

---

Other Word Forms

• christener noun
• rechristen verb (used with object)
• unchristened adjective

Etymology

Origin of christen

before 900; Middle English cristenen, Old English cristnian, derivative of cristen Christian

Example Sentences

There is no reason to christen your freshly cleaned kitchen with a sink full of dishes.

From Salon

The hero was never named in the book, but the character was christened Harry Palmer for the film and played by Michael Caine.

From BBC

In lighter news, Disney christened its newest cruise ship, Disney Adventure.

From The Wall Street Journal

While it is still being rented out regularly to tenants, 7 ½ West End Court has now been christened “The Born to Run House” by Springsteen’s fans.

From Salon

No wonder then, that he was christened 'The Beckham of the Baize'.

From BBC